The second feature article by Lindgren high- lights several successful applications of AI/ML for the Department of the Air Force, introducing best practices for development and validation, and highlighting the critical role for human inspectors to ensure NDT data quality and address outlier indications. The NDT Tutorial article by Harley and Zafar provides a number of helpful tips for effective training and testing of AI/ML for NDT applications. A Review Paper by Taheri and Zafar provides a survey of different AI/ML architectures that are used today and reviews ML progress for interpreting acoustic data acquired as part of additive manufacturing process monitoring. Two technical papers included in this special issue highlight promising AI/ML research and applications. The first paper by Scott, Stocco, Chertov, and Maev presents progress on the development and performance evalua- tion of a real-time AI-driven weld process characterization routine reviewing ultrasonic NDT data. In the second paper, Huang, Elshafiey, Farzia, Udpa, Han, and Deng present a promising demonstration of using deep transfer learning with a finite element modeling–based knowl- edge transfer for an improved acoustic emission source localization demonstration. I hope you enjoy this technical focus issue and learn something new about AI/ML in NDT. Please feel free to send comments or feedback. SCANNER |UPFRONT UPFRONT FROM P. 7 8 M A T E R I A L S E V A L U A T I O N • J U L Y 2 0 2 3 2307 ME July dup.indd 8 6/19/23 3:41 PM

ASNT… Creating a Safer World!® Grow your knowledge. Grow your career. KNOWLEDGE TO GROW PROFESSIONALLY ASNT.ORG/EDUCATION ON DEMAND Access video recordings from previous conferences, featured speakers, ASNT webinars, and so much more. REFRESHER COURSES Let ASNT help you prepare for your Level III exam. Refresher courses are structured around the same body of knowledge as the ASNT NDT Level III exams. See the website for the course schedule. WEBINARS Whether you’re an entry-level technician wanting to expand your knowledge of NDT or an experienced manager wishing to stay abreast of NDT developments, you’ll want to tune into ASNT Education webinars. Explore a variety of topics ranging from the latest in cutting-edge NDT techniques to expert advice for hands- on applications to leadership skills and management of NDT programs. 2307 ME July dup.indd 9 6/19/23 3:41 PM